Folding table and bench



Sept. 1, 1931. G. c. DAVIS ET AL FOLDING TABLE AND BENCH Filed Feb. 28. 1929 2 Sheets'Sheet l Sept. 1, 1931.

G. C. DAVIS ET AL FOLDING TABLE AND BENCH Filed Feb. 28. 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 lave/$715,-

Patented Sept. 1, 1931 Nrro STATES PATENT OFFICE GUY C. DAVIS, OF RQOKFORD, ILLINOIS, MID; DONALD G. GRISWOLI), OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNORS OF FORTY PER CENT TO SAID GUY C. DAVIS, OF ROCK FORD, ILLINOIS, AND" CITY, ILLINOIS FOLDING TABLE AND BENCH This invention relates to folding furniture generally, but is more particularly concerned with an improved folding table and bench to form a luncheon set suitable for camping or outing use, although adapted likewise for use in the home or in lunch rooms or other places wherever a compact, strong portable folding outfit of this kind may be desired. The principal object of our invention is to provide a table and bench which can be quickly and easily set up ready for use and just as easily folded to be set aside or stored away and which, when unfolded for use, is extremely strong and rigid to give good service, and is arranged to fold to an extremely compact size such that the table and bench, or two benches as the case may be, will take up very little room. For example, the set when packed, may be clamped flat on the running board of an automobile or maybe clampeclon the running boardinsuch a position that it will serve the purpose of a luggage carrier.

,Among the features of our invention may be enumerated the following: (1) The provision of a folding table and bench or bencheswherein the table top is.

formed by two leaves hinged together to fold onto one another or to be disposed side by side, each of the two leaves of the table top being. preferably 'ofthe same size as the top for the bench or benches so that when the outfit is folded and packed, it makesa compact and symmetrical bundle easy to handle.

(2) The provision of the table and bench or benches having the tops thereof grooved longitudinally on the underside thereof for reception of the folding legs and struts therefor whereby to enable the folding of the table to the smallest possible size, namely, that of a half of the table top'itself and likewise, the folding of the bench to the smallest possible size, namely, that of-the top thereof.

(3) Theprovision of a'table, the top of which is formed, as stated above, by the unfolding of two leaves hingedly joined together, and having criss-crossed legs'at opposite ends thereof with struts extending from the imderside of the table top to the intersections of the cries-crossed legs to make for rigidit the strut for one end extending from the one leaf'adjacent the hinges connecting the two leaves to the intersection of the one pair of legs and the other strut extendingi-from' the other leaf adjacent the SIXTY'PE- R CENT mo HAROLD L. OFFENHISER, OF PEARL 1 hinge connections between the leaves to the intersection of the other pair of legs whereby to avoid having too much of the load borne by the hinges themselves and also prevent the top from sagging or buckling at the middle thereof.

(4) The provision of a table and bench or benches, the folding legs and reinforcing struts "of whichare joined to the top pieces by universal joint connections affording the desired range of movement for the legs and struts with reference to the top pieces to enable the criss-crossing of the legs and the coupling and uncoupling of the legs and struts, the said universal joints being of extremely small'size, yet made in such away as to afford the requisite strength.

'(5) -The provision in connection with the coupling of each pair of crisscrossed legs with its strut of a latch arranged to be slid into and out of locking position engaging beneath the head ofa stud pivotally mounted on the end of the strut and entered through registering holes in the criss-crossed legs, the said latclrbeing formed on the outside facethereof to make wedging engagement with thehead of the stud and thus minimize any danger of the connection workingloose and permitting collapse of the 'tableor bench.

The invention is illustrated in companying drawings, whereine- Figure 1 is a perspective view showing theitable almost completely folded, the completely folded condition being represented in dotted lines;

2 is a similar view of one of the benches;

Fig. .3; is a perspective view of the folded table and bench slipped into a carrying case for transportation or storage,

Fig. 4 is a side view of 'the table set up for use; a l I Fig. 5 is an end view of the table and bench;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of one of the universal joint connections provided for the legs and struts;

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section through Fig. 6 on the line 77 thereof, this view also corresponding to a section taken, say, on the line 77 of Fig. 1;

Fig. .8 is an elevational view of a connection between two criss-crossed legs and the strut cooperating therewith, this view serving to show the latch provided on one of the legs in locking engagement with the head of the stud on the strut;

Fig. 9 is a vertical section through Fig. 8 on the line 9-9 thereof, and

Fig. 10 is a view of the free end of one of the struts showing the stud pivotally mounted thereon.

The same or similar reference numerals are applied to corresponding parts throughout the views.

The table top 10 is made up of two boards A and B hinged together on their underside, as indicated at 11, so as to fold onto one another, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1, and unfold into position alongside one another, as shown in full lines in Figs.

1 and 5. The bench top 12, or rather, each bench top, inasmuch as two benches may be provided in connection with one table, is made from a single board C. The boards A and B are of equal size and of the same size as the board C so that they are all arranged to fit neatly in a carrying case 13, shown in Fig. 3, made of canvas or other suitable waterproof material and having a flap 14' for closing one end thereof provided with snap fasteners 15, and having the handle 16 at a mid point thereon for the carrying thereof. The fact that the boards are of the same size makes the bundle of a symmetrical form, easier to handle, and easier to clamp onto the running board of the automobile, if that is desired. The legs and struts for the table. and bench are all pactness is arrived at; the table reduces to the size of the two superposed boards A and B forming the top 10, and the bench reduces to the size of the board C forming the top 12 thereof. 'This and other features of construction embodied in the improved table and bench of our invention is fully described hereinafter. a

The bench and table are of substantially the same construction, the only difference being that the table has the top 10 made of two leaves hinged together as described above. A description of the table will,

-therefore, serve'largely as a description of the bench, too. At the outset it will be noted that the table has a pair of legs 17 and 18 at one end thereof fastened by means of universal joints 19 to the underside of the boards A and B permitting the legs to be criss-crossed, as shown in Fig. 5. A strut 20, also fastened by means of a universal joint 19, has a stud 21 pivotally mounted on the free end thereof by means of which the same is arranged to be coupled with the cries-crossed legs 17 and 18 at the point of intersection, as will presently appear. Similarly, the other end of the table has a pair of legs 22 and 23 fastened to the boards A and B respectively by joints 19 and, cooperating with these legs, a strut 24 fastened by means of a joint 19 and equipped with a stud 21 on the free end thereof to couple the strut with the criss-crossed legs 22 and 23 at the point of their intersection. The legs 17, 18, 22 and 28, together with their joints 19, are all arranged to fit snugly in longitudinal grooves 25 cut in the underside of the boards A and B, these grooves extending for a good part of the length of the table, as shown, to accommodate the full length of each legso as not to leave any part projecting. Similarly, the struts 20 and 24, to gether with their joint 19, are arranged to fit snugly in shorter grooves 26 provided therefor in the boards A and B. So much for a general description of the type of construction employed. Before proceeding to a detailed description of the various structural features, it will be observed that the bench has a similar complement of legs 17, 18, .22 and 28' and struts 20 ad 24', the legs and struts being all fastened by means of universal joints 19 and the struts being equipped with studs 21 on the free ends thereof, and the legs being arranged to fit in grooves 25 and the struts in a groove 26 provided in the underside of the board C. Obviously, the crisscrossed legs, coupled with the struts, afford a very rigid support for the top 10 of the table or the top 12 of the bench. In the case of the bench where the top is in one piece, there is, of course, no difiiculty in obtaining the desired rigidity, but in'the case of the tab-1e, the fact that the top is formed by two leaves hingedly joined together necessitates proper disposition of the struts to avoid having too much Of lJlIG load being borne by the hinges 11, as well as to prevent sagging or buckling of the table top at the middle and, in that case, it will be observed that we have fastened one strut 20 onto the board A on one side of the hinge connection between the boards A and B, and have fastened the other strut 24 onto the board B on the otherside of the hinge conection. Thus the strut 2O assumes the load imposed on the board A at the middle of the table top which'would otherwise be transmitted to the hinges l1, and the strut 24 assumes'the load imposed on theboard B at the middle of the table top'which would otherwise be borne by the hinges. It is found that with this arrangement of the struts, the table top is kept quite rigid and will not tend to sag orbuckle at the middle thereof. I 1

The -legs and struts for the table and bench, or benches, are all preferably made from channel iron strips cut to the proper lengths, this material affording the desired rigidity and strength even though strips of relatively small cross-section and proper tionate light weight are used, and, of course, that is. of great importance in a portable outfit of this kind where compactness and light weight are especially desired. The free ends of the legs are cut off diagonally, as shownat 27, to afford good footing. This kind of material also lends itself particularly well to the connection of the legs and struts with the boards A, B and C by means of the universal joints 19, and also makes it a simple proposition to pivotally mount the studs 21 on the free ends of the struts 20, the parallel flanges of the channels being taken advantage of in both cases, as will now be described. 7 Considering first the connections between the legs or struts and the universal joints '19, it will be apparent that a description of one of these connections will sufiice for all. Refer to Fig. 6. In this figure it will be observed that the universal joint 19 comprises a strap 28 fastened as by means of screws 29 in a recess 30 adjacent the endof the groove 26 wherein the strut 20 is received,

.the strap 28 having the one end thereof bent at right angles, as shown at 31, to project into the end of the'groove 26. A U- shaped connector or intermediatev member 32, which is preferably formed between dies from a piece of sheet metal, has the parallel arms thereof fitting between-extensions 33 of the flanges of the channel strip from which the strut 20 is formed,'and is pivotally connected thereto by means of a pin .34 passed through registering holes in the two parts referred to. pin 34 areupset, as indicated at 35,,to make apermanent connection. The extensions 33 are formed by simply cutting away a part of the web of the channel at the end of the strip, as indicatedat 36. The connector 32 is pivotally mounted on the inturned end 31 of the strap 28 bymeans of a rivet pin 37, the latter affording pivotatmovement for the connector 32 about an axis at right angles to the pin 34. Thus the struts, or the legs, for that matter, are free to swing about a horizontal axis, due to the pin 34, to a position at right angles to the table top or bench top as the case maybe, as indicated in dottedlines in Fig. 7, or. to a position making an acute angle with-the top.- Fur- The. projecting en'd's of the thermore, each strut. or .leg has freedom forswinging movement laterally, due to the pin, 37, so that the legs for the table, or bench, as the case'may be, can be disposed criss-crossed, and the struts 20 and 24 for the table can be swung sidewise suflicient to make connection at their free ends with the criss-crossed legs at the point of intersection of the latter. Needless to say, the universal joint just described is of extremely small size but is still neverthelessof ample strength. The fact that the parts 28 and 32 can be formedfrom sheet metal between dies and these parts can be fastened together by rivet pins, cuts thecost down to'a minimum.

The studs 21 have, connector yokes 38, similar in form-to theconnectors 32, by means of which the; same are pivotally. mounted on the .free ends of the .struts 20, 24, 20 and 24 (see Figs. 9 and 10). The connector 38 is substantially U-shaped and formed from sheet metal between dies like the connector 32. The parallel arms thereof fit between extensions 39 of the flanges of the channel strip from which the strut is formed, the extensions being provided by simply cuttingaway a portion of the web at the end of thestrip, as shown at 40. A rivet pin 41, passed through registering holes in the two parts, serves topermanently join the same. The stud 2l,.which-is,annularly grooved at the outer end;thereof,-as shown at 42, to provide a fiat head 43, has the inner end thereof reduced, as shown-at 44, for extension through a hole in the connector 38 to permit the fastening of the stud 21 to the connector by upsetting ofthe reduced end of the stud, as shown at 45. 0b. viously, this construction makes for strength and economy as: well. The stud 21, by reason of its pivotal mounting on the endof the strut, can be;passed through registering may he slid into and outof locking position.

A rivetv pin 49, entered through a slot 150 in thelatchi47, provides a permanent mounting for the latch 47 on one of thecrisscrossed legs, and at'the same timeserves as a guide for the latch in the-sliding thereof to and fro. A slot 51 is punched in the end of the latch 47, permitting the latch- ,to straddle the projecting end of the stud 21 in. the groove 42 thereof. .The' end ofthe latch is iii preferably slightly tapered, as indicated at 52, so that the outside face of the latch will make Wedging engagement under the head 43 as the latch is forced home. Thus there is no likelihood of the coupled parts Working loose and possibly permit collapse of the table or bench. There is enough leeway afforded by the taper on the end of the latch to insure a tight connection even though the cooperating parts may become slightly worn. It should be evident from the foregoing that the table and bench can be removed from the carrying case and set up ready for use in a couple of minutes, and that it is an extremely simple matter for any mechanically unskilled person to handle the same. Furthermore, there are no loose parts that are apt to be lost or mislaid, which, of course, is a decided advantage. The economical construction of the outfit makes it a sound investment despite the fact that most people will only get occasional use out of it. The lightness and compactness of the outfit is of advantage not only from the standpoint of the user but likewise from the standpoint of the manufacturer, for it permits shipment of the outfit by parcel post. It is believed the foregoing description conveys a clear understanding of the various objects and advantages of our invention. \Vhile the specification has been confined "to a folding table and bench, it should be understood that those are only two embodiments of our invent-ion and that various other articles of furniture may be made employing substantially the same construction, as for example miniature tables and benches for childrens use, foot stools, radio benches, sewing tables, card tables, banquet tables, and other articles of a generally similar description. It is also contemplated to make ironing boards, wall-paper hangers tables and the like, using the same construction. The appended claims s'hould,therefore, be construed as applying to folding furniture generally.

We claim: 1, 'An article of folding furniture, such as atable or bench, comprising a top, 'a pair of legs at each end thereof each having a universal joint connection with the underside of the top so as to permit folding of the legs alongside the top and unfolding as well as criss-crossing thereof, there ber ing narrow grooves provided in the'underside of the top extending from the said uni versal joint connections and adapted to neatly receive the legs when each is folded, a strut for each end of said top having a pivotal connection with the underside thereof so as to permit folding thereofalongside the top and unfolding to an operative position extending toward the intersection of the crissecrossed legs, there being a narrow groove provided therefor in the underside of the top extending from said pivotal con nection so as to neatly receive the same when folded, and means for fastening the free end of the struts with the criss-crossed legs at the points of intersection.

2. An article of' folding furniture, such as a table or bench, comprising a top, a pair of legs at each end thereof each having a universal joint connection with the underside of the top so as to permit folding of each of the legs separately alongside the top and unfolding as well as criss-crossing thereof, a strut for each end of said top having a pivotal connection with the underside thereof so as to permit folding thereof alongside the top and unfolding to an operative position extending toward the intersection of the criss-crossed legs, each pair of legs having holes provided therein ar ranged to be brought into register at the points of intersection when the legs are criss-crossed, and studs pivotally mounted on the free ends of the struts and arranged to be extended through the registering holes whereby to fasten the struts to the crisscrossed legs at the points of intersection of the latter.

3. A structure as set forth in claim 2 wherein each strut is formed from a strip of channel shaped cross-section, and wherein the pivotal mounting of the stud on the free end of said strut comprises a substantially U-shaped connector having the parallel arms thereof extending alongside the parallel flanges of the channel member and pivotally connected therewith, said connector member having the stud mounted thereon between the parallel arms thereof and projecting therefrom in the opposite direction from the arms.

4:. An article of folding furniture, such as a table 'or bench, comprising a top, a pair of legs at each end" thereof having universal joint connections with the underside of the top so as to permit foldin of the legs alongside the top and unfolding as Well ascriss-crossing thereof, a strut for each end of said top having a pivotal connection with the underside thereof so as to' permit folding thereof alongside the top and 'unfolding to an operative position extending'toward the intersection of the crisscrossed legs, each pair of legs having holes provided therein arranged to be brought into register at the point of intersection when the legs arecriss-crossed, studs pivot-ally mounted on the free ends of the struts and arranged to be extended through the registering holes whereby to fasten the struts to the criss-crossed legs at the points of intersection of the latter, the free end of each stud being arranged to project. slightly when the studs are entered through the registering holes in the criss-crossed legs, and a locking part for each pair of legs arranged to cooperate with the projecting end of the stud.

5. An article of folding furniture, such as a table, comprising a top formed of two leaves hinged together to fold onto one anotheror unfold alongside one another, a pair of legs for each end of said top, one leg of each pair being mounted on one leaf and the other on the other leaf, the legs having universal joint connections with the underside of the top to permit folding the same alongside the top and unfolding as well as criss-crossing thereof, a pair of struts, one for each pair of criss-crossed legs, the one having pivotal connection with one leaf adj acent the hinges joining the leaves and the other having pivotal connection with the other leaf adjacent the hinges substantially as and for the purposes described, the struts being thereby arranged to fold alongside the top and unfold to operative positions extending toward the points of intersection of the pairs of criss-crossed legs, and means for fastening the free ends of said struts to the crisscrossed legs at the points of intersection of the latter.

6. An article of folding furniture, such as a table, comprising a top formed of two leaves hinged together to fold onto one another or unfold alongside one another, a pair of legs for each end of said top, one leg of each pair being mounted on one'leaf and the other on the other leaf, the legs having universal joint connections with'the underside of the top to permit folding the same alongside the top and unfolding as well as cries-crossing thereof, a pair of struts, one for each pair'of criss-crossed legs, the

one having pivotal connection with one leaf adjacent the hinges joining the leavesand the other having pivotal connection with the other leaf adjacent the hinges substantially as and for the purposes described, the struts being thereby arranged to foldalongside the top and unfold to operative positions extending toward the points of intersection of the pairs of criss-crossed legs, each pair of criss-crossed legs having holes provided therein arranged to register at the point of intersection when the legs are crisscrossed, and a stud pivotally mounted on the free end of each of said struts and arranged to be entered through the registering holes whereby to fasten the struts to the crisscrossed legs.

7. An article of folding furniture, such as a table, comprising a top formed of two leaves hinged together to fold onto one another or unfold alongside onecanother, a pair of legs for each end of said top, one leg of each pair being mounted on one leaf and the other on the other leaf, the legs having universal joint connections with the underside of the top to permit folding the same alongside'the top and unfolding aswell as other having pivotal connection with the other leaf adjacent the hinges substantially as andfor the purposes described, the struts,

being thereby arranged to fold alongside the top and unfold to operative positions extending toward the points of intersection of the pairs of crisscrossed legs, each pair of criss-crossed legs having holes provided therein arranged toregister at the point of intersection when the legs are criss-crossed,

a stud pivotally mounted on the free end of each strut and arranged to be extended through the registering holes in the crisscrossed legs, the outer ends of said studs being annularly grooved to provide'hea'ds on the outer ends thereof, the headedjend of each stud being arranged to project slightly when the studs are entered through the registering holes, and a locking latch slidably mounted on one leg of each pair havinga slotted end arranged to enter beneath the heads of the studs.

8. A structure as set forth in claim 7 wherein each latch is provided with a tapered faceadjacent the slot in the end thereof arranged to make wedging engagement with the underside of the head of the stud substantially as and for the purpose described.

9. In an article of folding furniture, such as a table or bench, a body member, a'leg' or other member arranged to be connected therewith for universal pivotal movement, said last mentioned member being formed from a strip of channel shaped cross-section,

and a universal joint for pivotally connecting the end of said channel member with the body member, comprisinga strap fastened to the body member and having one end thereof bent at right angles, a substantially U-shaped connector pivotally mounted 011 the bent end of the strap for movement about a certain axis, the parallel arms of said connector extending alongside the parallel flanges of the channel member, and

means pivotally connecting the armswith the flanges to permit swinging movement of the channel member relative to the-connector aboutan axis at right angles tothe other axis referred to, and, hence, universal move ment of the channel member relative body member. i

10. In an article of folding furniture, such as a table or bench, the combination of a body member, a leg or other member arranged to be mounted thereon for universal swinging movement relative thereto, said body member having a groove provided therein for reception of the other member in folded position, the latter member being formed from a strip of channel shaped'c'rossto the section, and a universal joint providing a mounting for the end of said channel member in one end of said groove comprising a strap fastened to the body member and having one end thereof bent at right angles and projecting into the end of the groove, a substantially Ushaped connector pivotally mounted on the bent end of said strap in the end of said groove for movement relative to the strap about a certain axis, the parallel arms of said connector-extending alongside the parallel flanges of the channel member, and means pivotally connecting the arms with the flanges to permit swinging movement of the channel member relative to the connector about an axis at rightangles tothe aforesaid axis, and, hence, universal movement of the channel member relative to the body member.

11. An article of folding furniture, such as'a table, comprising a top formed of two leaves hinged together to fold onto one another or unfold alongside one another, a pair of legs for each end of said top, one leg of each pair being mounted on one leaf and the other on the other leaf, the legs having universal joint connections with the underside of the topto permit folding the same alongside the top and unfolding as well as criss-crossing thereof, there being narrow grooves provided in the underside of the top extending from the said universal joint connections and adapted to nectly receive the legs when each is folded, a pair of struts, one for each pair of criss-crossed legs, the one having pivotal connection with one leaf adjacent the hinges joining the leaves and the other having pivotal connection with the other leaf adjacent the hinges substantially as and for the purposes described, the struts being thereby arranged to fold alongside the top and unfold to operative positions extending toward the points of intersection of the pairs of criss-crossed legs, there being a narrow groove provided in each leaf extending from the pivotal connection of the strut therewith adapted to neatly receive the strut when folded, the one leaf being thereby adapted for folding directly onto the other when the legs and struts are folded into the grooves, and means for fastening the free ends of said struts to the criss-crossed legs at the points of intersection of the latter.

12-. In an article of folding furniture, such as a table or bench, a body member, a leg or other member arranged to be connected therewith for universal pivotal movement, said last mentioned member being formed from a strip of channel-shaped cross-section, and a universal joint for pivotally connecting the end of said channel member with the body member comprising a supporting element on the body member, a substantially U-shaped connector pivotally mounted on the supporting element for movement about a certain axis, the parallel arms of said connector extending alongside the parallel flanges of the channel member, and means pivotally connecting the arms with the flanges to permit swinging movement of the channel member relative to the connector about an axis at right angles to the other axis referred to, and, hence, universal movement of the channel member relative to the body member.

18. In an article of folding furniture, such as a table or bench, a body member, a leg or other member arranged to be connected therewith for universal pivotal movement, said last mentioned member being formed from a strip of channel-shaped cross-section, and a universal joint for pivotally connecting the end of said channel member with the body member comprising a supporting element on the body member, a substantially U-shaped connector pivotally mounted on the supporting element for movement about .a certain axis, the parallel arms of said connector extending between the parallel flanges of the channel member, and means pivotally connecting the arms with the flanges to permit swinging movement of the channel member relative to the connector about an axis at right angles to the other axis referred to, and, hence, universal movement of the channel member relative to the body member, the web of the channel member being cut away at the connection with the U-shaped connector to permit a wide range of movement of the channel member relative to the connector.

14. In an article of folding furniture, such as a table or bench, a body member, a leg or other member arranged to be connected therewith for pivotal movement, said last mentioned member being formed from a strip of channel-shaped cross-section, and a joint for pivotally connecting the end of said channel member with the body member comprising a supporting element on the body member, a substantially U-shaped connector mounted on and extending from said supporting element with the parallel arms thereof extending alongside the parallel flanges of the channel member, and means pivotally connecting the arms with the flanges to permit swinging movement of the channel member relative to the connector,

15. In an article of folding furniture, such as a table or bench, a body member, a leg or other member arranged to be connected therewith for pivotal movement, said last mentioned member being formed from a strip of channel-shaped cross-section, and a joint for pivotally connecting the end of said channel member with the body member comprising a supporting element on the body member, a substantially-U-shaped connector mounted on and extending from said supporting element. with the parallel arms thereof extending between the parallel flanges of the channel member, and means pivotally connecting the arms with the flanges to permit swinging movement of the channel member relative to the connector, the Web of said channel member being cut away at said connection whereby to allow for a wide range of movement of the channel member relative to the connector.

16. In an article of folding furniture, the combination with a body, of a leg or other member pivotally mounted thereon for swinging movement to and from folded position, a strut or other member also pivotally mounted on the body member for swinging movement to and from folded position, at least the latter member being of channelshaped cross-section for the desired strength and rigidity as well as lightness, a U-shaped connector ha ing the parallel arms thereof extending alongside the parallel flanges of the last mentioned channel member at the free end thereof, means pivotally connecting the arms with the flanges to permit swinging movement of the connector relative to the channel member, there being an opening provided in the first mentioned member, and a stud carried on the cross-portion of the U- shaped connector and extending therefrom and arranged to be entered through the last mentioned opening for connecting the members together.

In Witness whereof we have hereunto afiixed our signatures.

GUY G. DAVIS.

DONALD G. GRISWOLD. 

